It seems like those that aren't online now may take some real encouragement to do so in the future, as despite continued pushes from governments and companies, a large portion of the United States is still, stubbornly, offline.

It seems like those that aren't online now may take some real encouragement to do so in the future, as despite continued pushes from governments and companies, a large portion of the United States is still, stubbornly, offline.

Sources say that Apple Music has racked up over 10 million subscribers in the four weeks since the streaming service's June 30 launch. The question is whether the user base will stick with the streamer once free trials end.

Sources say that Apple Music has racked up over 10 million subscribers in the four weeks since the streaming service's June 30 launch. The question is whether the user base will stick with the streamer once free trials end.

A duo of security software engineers has revealed an exploit in FCA’s Uconnect service that allows frightening access to vehicles, including the ability to kill the engine, lock the doors and cut the brakes.

A duo of security software engineers has revealed an exploit in FCA’s Uconnect service that allows frightening access to vehicles, including the ability to kill the engine, lock the doors and cut the brakes.

Despite the fact that it's 1,400 light-years away, Kepler-452b is remarkably similar to the planet we call home. Its radius is roughly 1.5 times that of Earth, and it circles a sun-like star in an orbit that takes roughly 385 days.

Despite the fact that it's 1,400 light-years away, Kepler-452b is remarkably similar to the planet we call home. Its radius is roughly 1.5 times that of Earth, and it circles a sun-like star in an orbit that takes roughly 385 days.

Google, Facebook, and others filed a brief in support of Samsung in its patent battle against Apple. The coalition of Silicon Valley companies fear a decision in Apple's favor would harm innovation.

Google, Facebook, and others filed a brief in support of Samsung in its patent battle against Apple. The coalition of Silicon Valley companies fear a decision in Apple's favor would harm innovation.

By Andy BoxallProvided by

Microsoft has revealed the Surface Pro 3 tablet at an event in New York, despite reports saying we’d be introduced to the Surface Mini. Microsoft’s new CEO Satya Nadella kicked off the show, tying the new announcement in with other recent Microsoft developments, primarily from Build 2014. He gave the stage to Panos Panay, the company’s Corporate Vice President for Surface Computing, who revealed the new device.

The team’s motivation for building the Surface Pro 3 was to take the conflict out of buying a device which could be used everyday, in all types of situations. They wanted to take the best of a tablet and a laptop, and put them together in a single device. It’s a tall order, so let’s take a look at the device it has unveiled to do the job.

A big screen, a new aspect ratio, and a thin chassis

Microsoft has chosen a 12-inch screen size for the Surface Pro 3, and boosted the resolution to 2160 x 1440 pixels. It has also shifted away from the 16:9 aspect ratio of its predecessor, to a new 3:2 aspect ratio. During the event, Panay said this compared to a standard piece of A4 paper, making the Surface Pro 3 feel very natural when used with the new stylus. Similarly, Microsoft also talked about the MacBook Air’s 13.3-inch screen, noting that the 3:2 aspect ratio of the Surface Pro 3 allows it to show 6 percent more content.

When it unveiled the tablet/laptop hybrid, Microsoft stressed not only its thinness, but its lightness, as well. The Surface Pro 3 is 9.1mm thick, making it four millimeters thinner than the Surface Pro 2. It’s also lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at 800 grams versus the 900 grams of the Surface Pro 2. Again, Microsoft was keen to put the tablet up against Apple’s MacBook Air, and says the Surface Pro 3 is 30 percent slimmer than the 11-inch model.

Click to take notes with the new Surface Pen stylus

Made from polished aluminum, the new Surface Pen stylus can be used throughout Windows 8.1, but during the presentation it was used to highlight the sensitivity of the screen, and to emphasize Microsoft’s growing obsession with the cloud. The Surface Pro 3’s screen has been built to ensure it doesn’t display any lag when pressing the stylus against it, resulting in a more natural way of writing. With 256 pressure points, it’s also incredibly sensitive.

Click the pen’s cap, and OneNote will automatically launch, even if the tablet is in standby, and any scribblings are quickly backed up to the cloud before being shared with other connected devices. Double click the cap, and a screenshot is captured. Sensibly, Microsoft has engineering in Palm Block technology, so you can rest your hand on the screen when writing using the stylus.

New, multi-point kickstand and double-fold keyboard hinge

The Pro Type Cover accessory has been revised and made larger, and now comes with a bigger trackpad for improved operation. To make it easier to use in more situations, the cover has a double-fold hinge, which magnetically seals the top section to the display’s bezel. This results in a sturdier feel, even when using the tablet on your lap.

Contributing to the flexibility is a new kickstand, which apparently was continually revised throughout the Surface Pro 3’s multi-year development process. Microsoft refers to it as “continuous,” which means it’s not restricted to certain angles, and can be raised and lowered to your preference.

Intel Core processors, and a choice of memory options

You’ll be able to select your Surface Pro 3 with either an Intel Core i3, Core i5, or a Core i7 processor. They’re all Intel’s fourth generationHaswell chips, and come packed with Intel’s HD Graphics 4400 GPU. Depending on the model, the option is there to spec either 4GB or 8GB of RAM, and pick from 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, or a monster 512GB of internal storage space.

How much is the Surface Pro 3 going to cost, and when can I buy one?

This is going to depend on how much power you want. The basic Core i3 machine with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal memory is $800. Increase the storage to 128GB and replace the i3 with an i5 chip, and the price becomes $1000. Stay with the Core i5 and add 8GB of RAM and a 256GB drive, and you’ll need to spend $1300. If the Intel Core i7 is the only processor for you, then there are two options. Select a 256GB drive with 8GB of RAM, and it’ll cost $1550. Up the drive to 512GB, and the grand total will be $1950. If you want one of the cool accessories, then Microsoft will take $130 from you in return for the Pro Type Cover, and $50 for another Surface Pen, so try not to lose the one which comes in the box. A Docking Station for the larger Surface Pro 3 tablet has been priced at $200.

Microsoft will put the Surface Pro 3, the Type Cover, and the Surface Pen up for pre-order in the U.S. through its own online and retail stores from May 21. On June 20, the tablet will also be sold in Canada.

By the end of August, Microsoft will start shipping the Surface Pro 3 in 26 different international markets. These include the UK, Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Spain, Singapore, and Taiwan. Prices have yet to be announced.

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